Diet & Behaviour Modification

There are literally hundreds of weight loss diets available. Doctors who prescribe and supervise diets for their patients usually create a customized program with the goal of greatly restricting calorie intake while maintaining nutrition. 

These diets fall into two basic categories:

Low-Calorie Diets (LCDs) are individually planned so that the patient takes in 500 to 1,000 fewer calories a day than he or she burns. Very-Low-Calorie Diets (VLCDs) typically limit caloric intake to 400 to 800 a day and feature high-protein, low-fat liquids. Studies show that the long-term results of Very-Low-Calorie Diets (VLCDs) vary widely, but weight regain is common. (9)

Behavior modification uses therapy to help patients change their eating and exercise habits. Combining a Very-Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD) with behavior therapy and physical activity may help increase weight loss and slow weight regain.  In the long term, however, Very-Low-Calorie Diets (VLCDs) are no more effective than more modest dietary restrictions. (9)

If diet and behavior modifications have failed you and surgery is your next option, it is important to understand that diet and behavior modification will be instrumental to sustained weight loss after your surgery. The surgery itself is only a tool to get your body started losing weight - complying with diet and behavior modifications required by most surgeons would determine your ultimate success.